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Outlook - Prevent .ost File Errors

This article outlines the solution to the following error: "Outlook is using an old copy of your Outlook data file[.ost]. Exit outlook, delete the file, and restart Outlook. a new file will be automatically created the next time you initiate a send/receive."
Related KBs:

If the Outlook app is not closed properly, it can create problems for the .ost file.  The following error is a common result:



If this error occurs, do not follow the instructions within the error message.  Instead, close Outlook and let it completely close by itself.  Do not force quit the application.

To check to see if Outlook has fully closed, look in the system tray.



Look for the Outlook symbol to be grayed out as shown below.



If the icon is there, do not try to restart the computer or force quit the application. Only after the icon disappears should one attempt to reopen Outlook.  The system tray without the icon is shown below; the applications within the system tray will vary, but notice the absence of the Outlook application's icon. 



Outlook will take longer to load upon reopening the application.  


Keywordsoutlook error .ostDoc ID61070
OwnerSteve K.GroupUW Green Bay
Created2016-02-23 14:50:47Updated2020-04-14 10:40:15
SitesUW Green Bay
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